A History of the European Union and Great Britain

Britain joined the European Community. Tory Prime
Minister Edward Heath took Britain in.

1975

Labour Prime Minister Harold Wilson had a referendum
on Britain’s membership – the last national referendum
this country has had. 66% voted yes – to stay in the European Community

1987

The Single European Act was signed. This was to
create an internal market; "an area without frontiers in which the
free movement of goods and persons, services and capital is ensured."

1991

The Maastrict Treaty was signed. The heart of this
was to create a single European currency so that Europe as an entity had a
currency to challenge the international supremacy of the dollar. Britain,
lead by Tory Prime Minister John Major, pushed for and got an "opt
out" clause for Britain. This meant that we were part of the European
Community and wanted to be a part of it, but not to participate in a
single currency, therefore, maintaining the pound should we decide to do
so.

The Euro was introduced on
January 1st. Britain has it Five Tests – if these are
answered successfully, then Britain will join the Euro.
British public opinion does not appear to support the Euro
as the first month of its life draws to an end.

MLA Citation/Reference

"A History of the European Union and Great Britain". HistoryLearningSite.co.uk. 2014. Web.